Preventive Care

Edward L. Loev, DMD

Dentist located in Union Square, San Francisco, CA

Preventive Care Specialist

Preventive oral care includes much more than routine cleanings. Dr. Loev builds long term relationships with his patients ensuring that he is able to monitor any changes in their oral health. San Francisco, CA residents who would like a dentist who takes a long term view of their dental health, should book an appointment.

Preventive Care

What procedures are included in preventive care?

Full-service preventive care encompasses not only routine cleanings and checkups but requires a long-term relationship, which allows Dr. Loev to maintain a vigilant watch over his patient’s oral health. He keeps a record of each patient’s teeth so that on each visit, he can check to see if anything has changed. He also works with his team of hygienists and assistants to ensure that each patient receives a thorough cleaning and the necessary treatment upon each routine visit. The most common procedures include regular cleanings, exams, and digital x-rays. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar from teeth, so decay does not have a chance to set in. Dr. Loev also uses special tools to check for soft spots or tartar deposits between teeth and on tooth surfaces. Dr. Loev provides periodontal charting on an annual basis to monitor gum tissue health. If a patient shows signs of bleeding gums or increased numbers, a deep cleaning can be ordered to protect periodontal health. Digital x-rays reveal the inside of the teeth and below the gum line to check for cavities and other problems that are not detected during the regular exam.

How frequently should I visit the dentist?

People should visit the dentist for general and preventive dentistry exams every six months or twice a year unless other risk factors indicate that more frequent check-ups are necessary. This will include a checkup and cleaning to make sure the teeth and gums are in optimal health. The dentist will also check for signs of decay and damage such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. If a patient has needed a deep cleaning, he or she will need to have a maintenance check up every three to four months.

How often do I need to have dental x-rays?

The frequency of necessary x-rays will depend on the patient’s oral health and any current or historical issues. Regular x-rays are an important tool when evaluating a person for gum and tooth diseases and other issues which can develop below the gum line, inside the tooth, and in the jaws. X-rays also use a very limited amount of radiation, so patients do not have to be worried about overexposure as they pose an extremely low health risk.

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